Stars and ships and superfluids

Article Abstract:

Researchers O. Avenel and E. Varoquaux have succeeded in measuring the Earth's rotation to 0.5% and 2% using the macroscopic quantum properties of superfluid helium. Gyroscopes will probably be used in future scientific research to accurately measure absolute rotation. The world's first gyroscope was invented in 1851. Historical research developments are described. Scientists believe current military technology uses electrically suspended gyroscopes capable of measuring the Earth's rotation with high accuracy.

Usage, Earth, Astronomical rotation, Gyroscopes

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A menage a trois laid bare

Article Abstract:

Vitaly Efimov, possessor of a freshly minted Russian PhD in theoretical nuclear physics in 1970 predicted a bizzare quantum-mechanical effect, which under certain circumstances produces an infinite number of bound energy levels. The Efimov effect is distantly related to Liewellyn Hilleth Thomas's 1935 proof that, in its ground state, a system of three particles that interact only within a vanishingly small range collapses to an infinitely small size, and its binding energy becomes infinitely large.

United States, Science & research, Quantum theory, Quantum mechanics, Binding energy, Nuclear physics

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Superfluids mixing it up

Article Abstract:

A new study predicts extraordinary properties for a two-component Bose-Einstein condensate formed from rubidium and sodium atoms. A high energy metastable state has been predicted from a phase-separated regime arising from a shell of sodium atoms enclosing the rubidium. It is suggested that the inner cloud can be made smaller by adding more atoms to the outer shell.

Models, Bose-Einstein condensation, Nuclear research

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